NISH hosts research stays in 2024
This initiative welcomed two delegates from the Lesotho NITAG (Les-NITAG) to the University of Cape Town (UCT) as part of NISH’s continued commitment to strengthening evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) and policy development on immunisation across the WHO Africa region.
The Lesotho delegates, Dr Thabelo Makhupane and Ms. Malefaso A. Mosese, engaged in an intensive week-long programme designed to build technical capacity and support their ongoing policy work. The Research Stay was anchored by Elizabeth Oduwole (VACFA), with support from Benjamin Kagina (VACFA Co-Director), and coordinated by Xolie Ndlela (VACFA Administrative Officer).
The programme was held at the VACFA offices, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCT, with sessions facilitated by experts from VACFA, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and the Task Force for Global Health (TFGH). Topics covered included the EtR (Evidence to Recommendation) process, health system determinants for Hepatitis B birth dose uptake, and evidence grading using the GRADE tool. Each session was held mid-morning to maximize learning, while leaving afternoons free for reflection and policy development work.
To deepen learning, the delegates completed daily reflection forms, along with pre- and post-assessments to track their progress and the impact of the research stay. Feedback indicated that the structured, concise schedule and the presence of two delegates working on the same policy question—introduction of the Hepatitis B birth dose—greatly enhanced the experience. The hybrid format also enabled engagement with international facilitators, including those based in the United States.
The research stay concluded with a farewell brunch hosted by the VACFA team, allowing for informal exchanges and strengthened professional relationships. Reflections from the delegates highlighted the relevance of the sessions to their work and the value of co-developing the programme content with the broader NITAG team prior to arrival.
Elizabeth Oduwole, the programme anchor, noted several key improvements made since the inaugural research stay in 2023. “This year, we streamlined the schedule to focus on content most relevant to the delegates’ ongoing policy work. We also introduced entrance and exit assessments to help track learning outcomes more systematically,” she said.
Lessons learned from this second edition will inform future research stays. Suggestions include enhancing communication on logistics such as meal allowances and capturing delegate testimonials to raise visibility and understanding of the programme among NITAGs across the continent.
Early planning for the third research stay is already underway, with a focus on selecting NITAGs actively engaged in policy questions and ensuring full team involvement in programme development.
